from "to me" to "by me" to "through me" to "as me"

Have you ever felt like life was happening to you? Or maybe you’ve experienced moments when you took control and believed life was happening by you. Well, these are just the beginning stages of a deeper journey into understanding how we relate to the world around us. As we evolve, we go from experiencing life as a victim to understanding it through our own empowerment, and eventually as a co-creator of the universe.

In this article, we’ll explore the four levels of consciousness: To Me, By Me, Through Me, and As Me. Each represents a distinct way of experiencing and relating to life. We’ll break down what each stage means, how to move between them, and provide practical exercises to help you elevate your consciousness.

From "To Me" to "By Me" to "Through Me" to "As Me": A Definition

The framework of moving from "To Me" to "As Me" is often used in spiritual development, self-awareness, and mindfulness practices. It describes the evolution of human consciousness, where each stage represents a shift in how we understand and interact with life, the universe, and our own potential.

• "To Me"

• consciousness reflects a mindset where life happens to us often filled with feelings of victimhood or lack of control.

• "By Me"

• consciousness marks the shift where we recognize that we have the power to shape our lives and take responsibility for our outcomes.

• "Through Me"

• consciousness deepens the awareness that we are channels for the universe to work through us, often leading to flow states and surrendering to a greater purpose.

• "As Me"

• consciousness embodies the realization that we and the universe are one. This is the state of pure oneness, where we live in unity with everything.

"To Me" Consciousness: Feeling Like Life Happens to You

When you’re in a "To Me" consciousness, life can feel like it’s out of your hands. In this stage, people tend to feel like victims of circumstances. You might catch yourself thinking, "Why is this happening to me?""Why is this happening to me?" or "I can't catch a break.""I can't catch a break." At this level, you feel powerless, reactive, and often stuck in a loop of blame.

This stage is associated with feelings of frustration, resentment, or helplessness. Life feels overwhelming because external forces, like other people or situations, seem to control your fate.

Practical Exercise: Start keeping a journal where you write down situations that feel out of your control. Reflect on whether there's anything you can influence, no matter how small. This will help you recognize the difference between external events and your reactions to them.

"By Me" Consciousness: Taking Control of Your Life

Moving into "By Me" consciousness is a huge leap forward. Here, you take responsibility for your actions and outcomes. Instead of being passive, you start thinking, "What can I do to change this?"What can I do to change this?" You recognize your ability to shape your life through decisions, hard work, and effort.

This stage is empowering. It’s where you begin to see that you have agency and that your thoughts, beliefs, and actions influence your reality. If you’ve ever set a goal and achieved it through persistence and willpower, you’ve tapped into the "By Me" mindset.

Practical Exercise: Set a small, achievable goal for yourself, something you've been wanting to change. Break it down into daily actions you can take, and hold yourself accountable. Reflect on how your actions lead to real-world results.

"Through Me" Consciousness: Becoming a Channel for Greater Purpose

As you evolve into "Through Me" consciousness, you start to recognize that life flows through you. This stage is about surrendering to the universe and becoming a vessel for something greater. Instead of forcing things to happen, you align yourself with a higher purpose, and life begins to unfold with ease. It’s the difference between swimming against the current and letting the current carry you.

This state often involves creativity, intuition, and trust. Many people describe it as being “in flow,” where things come together in ways that feel almost magical. You move from pushing to allowing.

Practical Exercise: Practice meditation or mindfulness to quiet your mind and connect with the present moment. The more you tune in to your inner world, the more you can allow life to work through you rather than forcing outcomes.

"As Me" Consciousness: Living in Unity with All That Is

Finally, "As Me" consciousness is the ultimate realization of oneness. In this state, you no longer see yourself as separate from others or the universe. You understand that you are the universe experiencing itself. This stage is associated with enlightenment, where there is no separation between you and everything around you.

At this level, you operate from a place of deep peace, love, and connection. There’s no need to control or even flow with life because you are life. You understand that your essence is the same as the essence of the universe.

Practical Exercise: Engage in practices that expand your sense of self, such as spending time in nature, practicing loving-kindness meditation, or reflecting on the interconnectedness of all things.

How Do You Move From One Consciousness to Another?

Moving from one level of consciousness to another is a gradual process, often involving moments of realization, self-reflection, and life experiences that push you toward growth. However, there are certain practices that can help you make the leap:

• Self-awareness:

• The first step is recognizing which stage you’re in. Without awareness, change is impossible.

• Mindfulness and Reflection:

• Regular meditation, journaling, or simply taking time to reflect on your thoughts and actions can help you identify where you need to shift.

• Letting Go of Resistance:

• Often, moving to a higher level of consciousness involves releasing the need for control and trusting the process.

• Seek Inspiration:

• Surround yourself with people, books, and experiences that uplift you and encourage growth.

4 Examples of Moving From One Consciousness to Another

• Career Shift (From "To Me" to "By Me"):
  Imagine feeling stuck in a dead-end job, constantly complaining that nothing ever changes. By taking responsibility and actively seeking new opportunities, you shift into the "By Me" mindset recognizing that you have the power to change your circumstances.
• Creative Flow (From "By Me" to "Through Me"):
  You’re working on a creative project, initially forcing ideas and struggling. Then, you let go of trying to control every detail, and suddenly, the ideas flow effortlessly. This is the "Through Me" state, where creativity seems to channel through you.
• Healing Relationships (From "Through Me" to "As Me"):
  You recognize that your challenging relationships mirror parts of yourself that need healing. Through forgiveness and compassion, you come to understand that the separation between you and others is an illusion, moving into "As Me" consciousness.
• Overcoming Fear (From "To Me" to "Through Me"):
  Someone who feels paralyzed by fear may start by acknowledging that fear is controlling their life ("To Me"). By trusting and surrendering to the unknown, they can allow life to move through them, transitioning into a "Through Me" mindset.

Quotes About Raising Awareness

Here are quotes, along with brief explanations, that reflect the journey toward higher consciousness:

1. “The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
   This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and inner work in raising consciousness.
2. “What you think, you become.” – Buddha
   Your thoughts shape your reality, emphasizing the power of mindset.
3. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
   A reminder that perspective shifts can transform your experience.
4. “The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti
   Self-awareness is key to understanding your role in the universe.

Conclusion:

Moving from "To Me" to "As Me" is a journey of self-awareness, empowerment, and ultimately unity. It’s about realizing that you are not just a passive observer of life but an active participant and, eventually, a co-creator. Each stage has its challenges, but with practice and intention, you can rise through the levels of consciousness and live a more fulfilling, connected life.